LIBRARY NOTES: ‘Dickens Week’ Nov. 27-Dec. 1 will help ring in the season

Charles Dickens and Christmas are forever linked in our minds. Ebenezer Scrooge stomping down the snowy streets of London biting the head off anyone who dared to wish him season’s cheer. The Ghost of Christmas Future looming before him in his bedroom, darker than the night. Tiny Tim.

This year the library is offering you the chance to renew some of those connections, indulge in some nostalgia, have some fun, and even learn a lot during “Dickens Week,” Nov. 27 to Dec. 1.

Festivities kick off with a party on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 5:30-7 p.m., celebrating the great author’s 200th year. (His actual birth date was Feb. 7, 1812, but it’s simply more fun to celebrate Dickens at Christmastime.)

Everyone’s invited to come by and help decorate the library’s holiday tree — birthday cake and cider for all!

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Wednesday, Nov. 28, will be Family Movie Night, 6:30-8 p.m. Bring the kids for popcorn and the classic tale retold in “A Muppet Christmas Carol,” starring Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit. (Yes, you read that right.)

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Next, you can join lovers of “A Christmas Carol” for a discussion of the beloved novel in the reading room of the library on Thursday, Nov. 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (led by yours truly). We’ll look at many aspects of this timeless tale, including how Dickens has influenced our culture’s image of Christmas — and of ghosts. Bring your best memories of the story and be prepared to share. There will be refreshments here, as well.

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Finally, the celebrations conclude with “Mr. Fezziwig’s Holiday Ball” on Saturday, Dec. 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dust off your top hat and shine up your pocket watch for an evening of Dickensian revelry for the whole family. Enjoy delicious food, live music, and dancing.

For even more fun, come dressed as your favorite Dickens character! Prizes will awarded to one adult and one child for best costume.

As a very special treat, the evening will be rounded out by the CAST theater group performing a scene from its upcoming production of “A Christmas Carol.”

What could be more heartwarming and appropriate for the season than to gather up the family and spend some time with the wonderful Charles Dickens and the irascible Ebenezer Scrooge?